“Tony Abbott’s first two budgets cut support to Tasmanians and widened the gap between those on high incomes and those doing it tough”, Dr Leigh said.

“We have a Federal Government who has slashed $2.1 billion from health and education in Tasmania while Liberal Premier Will Hodgman looks on silently from the sidelines.

“With an unemployment rate of 22.7 percent, young people living in South East Tasmania have the worst prospects of finding work anywhere in Australia.

“They need a government which will focus on growing the jobs of the future and supporting inclusive growth, not one whose answer to every challenge is more cuts.

“We are focused on developing a positive economic future for all Tasmanians, and today’s discussions were about finding a path to get there,” Dr Leigh said.

Federal Shadow Minister for Regional Development Julie Collins said the Tasmania Taskforce is developing a clear and coherent strategy to grow jobs.

“The Tasmania Taskforce is hearing a clear message from the community that they want government to focus on investing in our economy, not cutting services.

“Business leaders have told us today that they want government to back them to provide jobs for our young people with certainty.

“The task of revitalising Tasmania’s economy, facilitating a transition to new industries and lifting the education and skills of Tasmanians is urgent.

“Labor’s commitment is that government should not be defined by election pork-barrelling.

“Government can be a driver and an enabler of growth and change by backing business to succeed.

“The solutions are not simple, but we know that the people best placed to guide our future are Tasmanians taking on these challenges,” Ms Collins said.

The Tasmania Taskforce is chaired by Federal Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Julie Collins and State Labor Leader, Bryan Green and includes Tasmanian Labor’s Senate Team and State Shadow Cabinet.